5 most vicious Derrick Lewis KOs in the UFC

Derrick Lewis is one of the most beloved and entertaining fighters on the UFC roster. His incredible sense of humor, coupled with his intensity and propensity for jaw-dropping knockouts, has made him a fan-favorite.

Lewis owns the record for the most knockout wins in the history of the UFC. He is also tied with Frank Mir for the most finishes in the heavyweight division.

What makes Derrick Lewis special is the fact that he has been among the top heavyweights in the world's premier MMA organization for what seems like ages, despite his somewhat one-dimensional style of fighting.

The Houston native has knocked out experienced kickboxers and seasoned wrestlers. The sport is just a lot more fun to watch when he's around.

That said, we thought we'd take a look at the five most vicious knockouts handed out by 'The Black Beast' during his time in the UFC.

Honorable mentions include his KO/TKO victories over Gabriel Gonzaga, Shamil Abdurakhimov, Viktor Pesta and Marcin Tybura.

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#5. Derrick Lewis vs. Chris Daukaus - UFC Vegas 45

Derrick Lewis locked horns with surging heavyweight contender Chris Daukaus in the main event of UFC Vegas 45, the UFC's final event of 2021. Lewis was coming off a disappointing showing against Ciryl Gane at UFC 265, while Daukaus was riding a four-fight KO/TKO winning streak in the promotion.

Daukaus represented a new breed of heavyweights taking over the UFC. The Philadelphia native boasts incredible movement and footwork, two facets heavily lacking in Lewis' game. The public consensus was that 'The Black Beast' would get picked apart just as he was against Gane and the betting odds reflected the same.

Lewis silenced the doubters in style as he swarmed Daukaus in the very first round. The Houston native caught his counterpart with multiple blows before the referee was forced to call a halt to the action.

With his knockout victory over Daukaus, Lewis became the all-time leader for the most KOs in UFC history.

Amusingly, before his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Derrick Lewis threw his groin cup into the audience in attendance at the UFC Apex. He subsequently told Bisping that he would love another shot at the title, but isn't interested in five-round fights anymore.

#4. Derrick Lewis vs. Aleksei Oleinik - UFC Vegas 6

In August 2020, Derrick Lewis squared off against submission specialist and MMA veteran Aleksei Oleinik in the main event of UFC Vegas 6.

Oleinik is arguably the most dangerous grappler in the history of the UFC heavyweight division. His gameplan in the fight against Lewis was clear as day – to take 'The Black Beast' down and choke him out.

Oleinik secured a takedown in the very first round and controlled top position for several minutes. However, he wasn't able to find the finish. In the second round, the Russian tried to take Lewis down once again, but this time the Houston native saw it coming.

He threw a powerful flying knee at Oleinik, forcing him to back away. As he did separate, Lewis landed a powerful right hook that saw his Russian counterpart crumble to the canvas. After a few extra follow-up shots, the referee stopped the fight.

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#3. Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne - UFC Fight Night 105

Heavyweight contenders Derrick Lewis and Travis Browne locked horns in the main event of UFC Fight Night 105 in February 2017. Both top-ranked fighters were looking to move one step closer to a title shot and an opportunity to take on then-champion Stipe Miocic.

The heavyweight duo put on a barnburner of a fight that ended up winning the 'Fight of the Night' honor. Lewis and Browne went back-and-forth in the first round and somehow managed to make it through the opening five minutes.

In the second round, Browne started to attack Lewis' body. The damage was seemingly mounting as 'The Black Beast' started to drop his hands in anticipation of the incoming body shots.

As Browne attempted another body kick, Lewis threw a powerful hook that landed on the former's forehead. He crashed down to the mat and a few ground strikes later, referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the fight.

#4. Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov - UFC 229

At UFC 229, Derrick Lewis took on rising Russian contender Alexander Volkov. Lewis was a heavy betting underdog going into the fight, considering Volkov's vast MMA experience.

Many believed that Volkov, a former M-1 and Bellator heavyweight champion, would arguably be the toughest matchup for Lewis. The Russian's long and lanky frame allows him to keep his opponents at bay as he picks them apart. This was on display in the first 14 minutes of his bout against 'The Black Beast'.

Volkov was seemingly en route to a comfortable unanimous decision victory. However, with just 11 seconds remaining in the fight, Lewis uncorked a powerful right straight, catching 'Drago' flush on the chin.

Moments after his KO victory over Alexander Volkov, Derrick Lewis delivered one of the most iconic post-fight interviews in the history of the UFC.

Lewis, while in conversation with Joe Rogan, discussed various subjects, including the reason he took off his shorts and his lack of cardio. He even touched upon the political tensions between America and Russia, in his own unique style, of course.

Watch his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan below:

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#1. Derrick Lewis vs. Curtis Blaydes - UFC Vegas 19

Derrick Lewis took on Curtis Blaydes in the main event of UFC Vegas 19. Lewis came into the bout riding a two-fight winning streak and was gunning for a shot at the title. Meanwhile, Blaydes was looking to make a statement following a lackluster unanimous decision win over Alexander Volkov.

Many expected Lewis to struggle against a high-level wrestler like Blaydes and the first round followed that sentiment. Blaydes oustruck and outpointed Lewis throughout the course of the opening five minutes, with 'The Black Beast' barely throwing a strike.

As it turned out, he was looking for one specific opportunity to capitalize on, which presented itself in the second round. Blaydes shot in for a takedown, but was met with a powerful uppercut from one of the hardest punchers in the sport. The thunderous punch knocked Blaydes out cold.